Fiji Airways has responded to concerns over changes to its in-flight food offering, saying the adjustment is part of a broader response to the current global aviation fuel crisis.
Chief Customer Officer Akuila Batiweti says Fiji Airways values the feedback received from its customers, including recent comments regarding its inflight food offering.
Batiweti says the global aviation industry is currently navigating the most significant fuel crisis in 50 years.
He says Fiji Airways has undertaken a comprehensive review of its operations and introduced a range of initiatives to improve efficiency and manage costs across the business.
Batiweti says these measures include steps to minimise fuel burn, changes to the onboard catering cost structure, transitioning parts of the airline's road fleet to more cost-effective electric and hybrid vehicles, reduced per diems for executives and crew, a reassessment of the Resort Check-In model, and the deferral of non-urgent capital expenditure.
He says the adjustment to inflight catering forms part of this broader response, allowing the company to maintain the full breadth and reach of its network at a time when other carriers have opted to reduce capacity and ground aircraft.
He adds that this has enabled them to continue playing their part in supporting Fiji's tourism industry and the country, connecting people and communities without compromising the strength of its network.
Batiweti says Fiji Airways intends to review its food and beverage offering in due course, with the objective of delivering an offering that matches or exceeds that of its competitors after the fuel crisis.
He says the airline remains committed to meeting the expectations of its guests.
He adds that the company takes all customer feedback seriously and encourages guests to contact its Customer Care team directly so individual experiences can be followed up accordingly.